October 2022
The hybrid session was held on 03 August 2022 with 13-in person delegates and 11 virtual delegates. Doug Sanyahumbi, SARIMA VP, Africa Engagement welcomed everyone present. Delegates represented 9 SADC countries; Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa. Bathsheba Mbongwe, SRIM II project leader introduced the SRIM II project and the role of the SADC SRIM II country focal points. Country Focal Points (CFP) are country-specific representatives nominated at the national level specifically to facilitate, support and promote the implementation of SADC Strengthening Research and Innovation Management II (SRIM II) activities in their country. Presentations ended by an interactive open discussion. CFP were enthusiastic to have met in person and looked forward to collaborating with SARIMA in implementing SRIM II, one of them stated:
“As a SRIM II Country Focal Point, I will share the knowledge with colleagues and help collect data in R&I Management in my country.”
All present CFPs were recognized and announced during the Gala Dinner.
2022 SARIMA Conference: SRIM II Programme-kick-off meeting and Gala Dinner
SARIMA and country representatives from: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe
The CFPs appreciated that the SRIM II Kick-off meeting was hosted during the 2022 SARIMA Conference. This provided them an opportunity to also participate in the conference pre-workshops, AE session and all other sessions.
Direct feedback from the CFPs on the overall 2022 SARIMA Conference
“It was first Experience to be at the SARIMA conference but to be precise, what I learnt in those few days is a lot and very important for my department, my country and me as an individual. It was my first time to be introduced to Research Management as a profession and its role in making research and innovation as pertinent as possible. Having been back in Lesotho I have already briefed some relevant institutions about SARIMA and Research and Innovation Management, all have shown so much enthusiasm and vibrancy towards the idea of being part of SARIMA and establishing RMOs and TTOs. I am really looking forward to more SARIMA engagements.”
“It is important for all countries in the SADC to embrace RIM activities and programs and ensure that our all R&D institutions are aware of this as this is for the Southern African countries not only RSA. This is an area which will ensure that we all develop economically since we will enhance the ways how Research and Innovation management can benefit all our communities.”
“As a country, Namibia cherish the research and innovation relationships that exist around the Globe. SARIMA, has been and continue to be one of the strategic organization for promoting Namibia’s presence and excellence in research and innovation. Its my wish, that SARIMA will continue to have clear country-based excellence based evaluation criteria when awarding excellence in different research and innovation categories. This is important in avoiding awards to one country.”
“As I am new to Research Management the workshop was very informative as it set the scene for the conference. DSTI [Division for Science, Technology and Institution] the Division where I am is in the process of setting up the National Research Foundation, and within this Foundation, we will set up Research and innovation Management. This was therefore at the opportune for me to learn everything, I have learnt.”
“[The workshop] broadly unlocked linking for myself with other professionals in the research and innovation systems. I have already started engaging my colleagues from research and learning institutions on how we can together move forward on pertinent issues of R&I management”
“The platform for meeting in person was very important as it has an impact for future communication. you will be talking or chatting with people that you would have physically met. The conference was important to enhance inclusion and mobilisation of member countries to participate as opposed to having participation only from South Africa.”
